Apply to be a First Steps Kent Parent Leader!

First Steps Kent is dedicated to involving parents with young children in shaping programs and initiatives that ensure resources are invested wisely and equitably. Below are three opportunities for parents to participate in this important work. Each role includes a $35/hour stipend for time spent attending meetings and fulfilling responsibilities. The online form will allow you to apply for any or all of the three opportunities.

Diversity and Inclusion: First Steps Kent is committed to creating a culture in which all individuals feel supported and recognized. First Steps Kent parent leaders will include representatives, reflecting Kent County’s rich diversity, and include parents and caregivers of different ethnicities, races, religions, sexual identities, and/or genders.

OPPORTUNITY #1 - Early Relational Health Parent Leaders. This application has closed. 

OPPORTUNITY #2 - Early Literacy Alliance Parent Leaders. This application has closed. 

OPPORTUNITY #3 - Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Board

What Is Ready by Five? Kent County has a voter-approved millage dedicated to funding community-based early childhood programs. The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage generates more than $8 million annually. The Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Board (RPRB) has the responsibility to review requests for funding, make recommendations for funding levels, and monitor investments for maximum impact. 

Commitment

  • Term. One year, starting in April 2025, with the potential for a second-year extension.
  • Time Requirement: Meeting dates and times are included below and will require meeting during and after business hours. This commitment will generally not exceed 120 hours per year. We are asking for a two-year commitment beginning April 2025.

Requirements

  • Be a Kent County resident.
  • Parent of at least one child aged 0-5.
  • Parents can not have worked at any of the Ready by Five provider organizations in the last two years.
  • Access to reliable technology (e.g., computer, email, internet). Assistance may be available if needed.

What it looks like to be a RPRB Member:

  • To prepare board members, the RPRB convenes two orientations. During this time, the group learns what is required for proposals to be funded and how to score all funding request proposals. Orientation dates for 2025: Tuesday, April 15 from 3-5 p.m. and Wednesday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – noon.
  • Proposals are distributed to each board member with scoring materials and directions. This will arrive around May 15, 2025.
  • Each member reviews all assigned proposals and submits scores and any questions about the proposals through an online score sheet. The number of proposals can vary depending on the year, in a typical year it takes about 40 hours to review and score all proposals. Deadline to submit online scores and feedback is May 30, 2025
  • The full RPRB meets for 3-5 days (depending on the number of proposals) to discuss how all members scored each proposal. During these meetings, the RPRB comes to a decision about what proposal should be funded and how much they should receive. Meeting dates for 2025 RPRB: June 11-13.
  • Access to reliable technology (phone, email, computer, and internet) for communication and attending virtual meetings is needed for this position. First Steps Kent may be able to provide assistance in some situations. Please explain in your application if you wish to serve in this role but are unable to because you do not have access to technology.   

Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to creating a culture in which all individuals feel supported and recognized. The board shall include members from all areas of Kent County and include people of different ethnicities, races, religions, sexual identities, and/or genders.

    How to Apply: Complete this online application by Friday, March 21, 2025.

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